Everyday Cooking

10 Tasty Ways to Transform Pizza Dough

Posted by Leslie Wu on October 13, 2016

Pizza dough isn't just the base for the perfect pie — with a willingness to dream big and a few basic ingredients, you can turn that dough into tasty delights, from pizza waffles to meaty, cheesy stromboli.

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While The Iron’s Hot

<p>Pull out the waffle maker for this one: pizza dough will get crispy and bake in 4 to 6 minutes, and you can use the machine to broil cheese, sauce or other toppings quickly. </p>
<p>Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/shows/the-pioneer-woman/recipe/waffle-maker-pizza/18309/" target="_blank"><strong>The Pioneer Woman's Waffle Maker Pizza</strong></a> </p>

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Tying the Knot

<p>Garlic bread knots will add pizzazz to pasta night, round out an antipasto plate or even just serve as a mid-afternoon snack on their own. Since they're equally good warm or at room temperature, you can serve them for dinner and then pack leftovers in the next day’s lunch.</p>
<p>Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/everyday-cooking/blog/everything-garlic-bread-knots-37974/" target="_blank"><strong>Everything Garlic Bread Knots</strong></a></p>

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On A Roll

<p>You’ll find a smorgasbord of Italian meats in every slice of these savoury strombolis (which rolls pizza dough around fillings rather than stuffing them inside a pocket like a calzone).</p>
<p>Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/the-italian-job-stromboli/13528/" target="_blank"><strong>The Italian Job Stromboli</strong></a></p>

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Marvellous Meatballs

<p>For the ultimate meatball sandwich, this made-from-scratch version features grilled lamb meatballs filled with mint, parsley and feta. Paired with a creamy tzatziki and oregano-spiced pizza dough taking the place of pita, this Greek-inspired sandwich will add new flavours to your meatball repertoire.</p>
<p>Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/grilled-lamb-meatball-sandwich/13689/" target="_blank"><strong>Grilled Lamb Meatball Sandwich</strong></a></p>

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Pocket of Possibility

<p>With pizza dough on hand, you’re on the way to a comforting calzone. Filled with spinach, sausage or Parmesan, calzones can be stuffed with anything you feel like that day. Smaller heart shaped versions or mini pizza pockets will satisfy children and adults alike.</p>
<p>Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/giadas-pizza-pockets/17286/" target="_blank"><strong>Giada De Laurentiis’ Pizza Pockets</strong></a>

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Play Ball

<p>Bite-size pizza balls stuffed with chicken, Monterey Jack cheese and refried beans are too easy to make (and eat). Better make a double batch if you're serving them on game day!</p>
<p>Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/chicken-taco-pacos/18900/" target="_blank"><strong>Chicken Taco Pacos</strong></a></p>

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Breakfast in Italy

<p>Sad leftover pizza for breakfast gets a boost with this version of eggs Benedict: peameal and regular bacon, Gruyère and a splash of Sriracha top off pillowy pizza dough. Add some eggs before you pop the whole package in the oven for an easy make-ahead brunch that’s perfect for entertaining.</p>
<p>Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/eggs-benedict-pizza/17765/" target="_blank"><strong>Eggs Benedict Pizza</strong></a></p>

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Monkey Around

<p>Whimsical pull-apart bread rolls get a twist with this recipe. Pizza dough is given the New York pretzel treatment with a honey bath, and a sweet-spicy mustard sauce for dipping.</p>
<p>Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/pretzel-monkey-bread/18825/" target="_blank"><strong>Pretzel Monkey Bread</strong></a></p>

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Alternative Flatbreads

<p>Think about more than meat for creative flatbread toppings: sliced zucchini and grated pecorino adds Italian flair, while a loaded potato version piles all the fixings from your favourite spud on top of a crispy base.</p>
<p>Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/zucchini-and-olive-flatbread/16021/" target="_blank"><strong>Giada De Laurentiis' Zucchini and Olive Flatbread</strong></a>

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Pull Out All the Stops

<p>Sweet and savoury, this smoky, cheesy and sweet pull-apart bread makes an irresistible appetizer or scrumptious snack that starts with simple store-bought pizza dough.</p>
<p>Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/shows/great-canadian-cookbook/recipe/bacon-apple-cheddar-loaf/18810/" target="_blank"><strong>Bacon and Apple Cheddar Loaf</strong></a></p>
<p><em>Leslie Wu is a Toronto-based food and travel writer, editor and explorer. Follow her on Twitter at @leslie_wu.</em></p>